The following tips will help you plan your upcoming trip

Learn about visa requirements, local laws, customs, and medical care in the countries you are visiting.

Be aware of any Travel Warnings or Travel Alerts for your destination country, which describe risks to you and may affect your travel plans.

Find out about health precautions.

Prepare to handle money overseas. Before you go, notify your bank and credit card company of your travel, and check exchange rates.

Apply early for a passport, or renew your old one. It should be valid for at least six months after you return home, and needs to have two or more blank pages.

You may need to get a visa before you travel to a destination.

Get a letter from your doctor for medications you are bringing.

If you are traveling alone with children, foreign border officials may require custody documents or written consent from the other parent.

Make two photocopies of all your travel documents in case of emergency.